Those Tough Texts

Those Tough Texts

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The Bible says it.  I believe it.  That settles it.Those are admirably bold statements.  But they don’t really help us know what to do with scores of confusing, vexing, and just plain startling Bible texts. First-time readers...
Something that Doesn’t Move

Something that Doesn’t Move

Observers agree that Hollywood depictions of the NASA space program are frequently off the mark when it comes to historical accuracy.    Apollo 13 is an exception.  Director Ron Howard’s 1995 account of America’s ill-fated third attempt to reach...
The Kick of a Lifetime

The Kick of a Lifetime

It’s the biggest moment of your life.It’s just you and the goalkeeper, who is standing 12 yards away.The soccer goal he or she is guarding is 24 feet across and 8 feet high. Will you hit the penalty shot that will win the World Cup for your country – eternally...
The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Life

British author and theologian C.S. Lewis once suggested that human lives are like ships on the high seas. Every ship has to address three issues.  The first issue is how not to sink.  That’s integrity.  The second issue is how not to bump into...
Gifts vs. Character

Gifts vs. Character

Samson is one of those Bible personalities who has been able to accomplish the near-impossible: make Sunday School interesting for elementary school-age boys.He was absurdly strong.  His exploits were gloriously public.  He singlehandedly leveled the...